Guillermo del Toro: Why the Oscar-Winning Director Calls Toronto His “Second Home”

For Guillermo del Toro, Toronto isn’t just a convenient production hub—it’s a creative sanctuary. Over the last three decades, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker has forged a bond with the city that transcends professional convenience, evolving into a deep personal and civic partnership. From his early days filming Mimic in 1996 to his recent triumphs, del Toro has consistently championed Toronto’s craftsmanship, describing the city as the “best place to make movies.”

A Legacy Cemented: The Key to the City and the Guillermo del Toro Stages

In July 2025, Toronto officially recognized del Toro’s immense contribution to its cultural and economic landscape. Mayor Olivia Chow awarded the filmmaker the Key to the City, a prestigious honor reserved for individuals who embody the spirit of Toronto and contribute significantly to civic life.

The celebration coincided with a major milestone at Cinespace Studios. In recognition of del Toro’s long-standing relationship with the local film community, the Marine Terminal campus sound stages were renamed the “Guillermo del Toro Stages.” This tribute honors a director who has not only used the city as a backdrop but has actively helped cement Toronto’s global reputation as a top-tier production center.

From ‘Mimic’ to ‘Frankenstein’: Decades of Cinematic Craft

Del Toro’s cinematic journey in Toronto began in 1996 with Mimic, his first Hollywood film. While the production was fraught with challenges, del Toro credits the warmth and loyalty of the Toronto crews with restoring his faith in filmmaking. This trust grew over the years, leading him to bring a string of celebrated projects to the city, including:

• The Shape of Water
• Crimson Peak
• Pacific Rim
• Nightmare Alley
• Cabinet of Curiosities

The director’s commitment to the city’s talent is absolute. He has praised the local craftsmanship in wardrobe, set design, and prop construction, stating that he relies on these skilled professionals to deliver excellence every time.

The Making of ‘Frankenstein’

The culmination of this long-term partnership is seen in del Toro’s take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The film premiered in North America on September 8, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the monster, the production utilized sprawling, custom-built sets on Toronto soundstages.

Unlike many productions that move to different cities for post-production, del Toro ensured Frankenstein stayed in Toronto for its final stages, including sound mixing at Company 3 on King Street West. This decision highlights his belief that Toronto can handle every aspect of the creative process, from initial visual effects to final sound mixing.

Beyond the Director’s Chair: Civic Impact and Community

Del Toro’s influence extends far beyond the soundstages. Now a part-time resident of the city, he has integrated himself into Toronto’s cultural fabric through several key initiatives:

• Saving Local Cinema: He played a pivotal role in saving the Revue Cinema during a critical landlord dispute that threatened to shut the theater down.
• Curating Art: He recently curated a horror-themed program at the TIFF Lightbox, sharing his passion for the genre with local audiences.
• Economic Support: By consistently choosing Toronto, del Toro supports a screen industry that generated $2.6 billion in direct spend in 2022 and employs more than 40,000 people.

As Guillermo del Toro continues to balance his global career with his life in Toronto, his presence serves as a powerful endorsement of the city’s creative capacity. By investing in local talent and infrastructure, he has ensured that Toronto remains a world-class destination for storytelling for generations to come.